Dentistry for Anxious Patients
Dentistry for Anxious Patients
We want all our patients to have access to the best in dental care so they can maintain their optimum dental health. We realize that for some people, visiting the dentist is not easy. Perhaps they had a bad experience in the past. Or perhaps they have special needs because of fears or phobias. Part of providing excellent care for our community is making dentistry for anxious patients possible by adding special training and equipment appropriate for this type of care. Therefore, we use sedation dentistry to make our patients comfortable.
In most situations, the anesthetic we use is nitrous oxide. The advantage of nitrous oxide is that it takes effect almost instantly, allowing dental work to commence just minutes after administration. When nitrous oxide is no longer administered, the effects wear off almost as fast. With many other forms of anesthetic or sedation, there is usually a considerable wait time for medications to take effect.
We Work with You to Keep You Comfortable
We can tailor the administration of nitrous oxide to achieve the level of anesthesia or sedation you need to make you comfortable during your treatment. For this, we need to hear from you. Before coming for treatment, please tell us about your needs. We understand that it may not be comfortable explaining your anxieties but please be assured, we are only here to help you maintain your health. We have many patients with similar concerns and we have been able to help them over their barriers to getting good dental care.
How Nitrous Oxide is Used
Once we have determined what level of anesthesia or sedation is needed, we will fit a breathing mask over your nose. This mask will stay in place during your treatment. It’s important that you avoid talking or breathing through your mouth while the mask is on so please ask any questions you might have before treatment starts.
While nitrous oxide is being administered, you will be able to hear and respond to directions from Dr. Davis. You may feel light-headed or tingly. Your arms and legs may feel heavy.
When your treatment is complete, you will be given oxygen for a few minutes to help clear away the effects of the nitrous oxide. Then the mask will be removed.
One of the advantages of nitrous oxide is how quickly it wears off. With other kinds of sedation, it’s necessary to have someone available to drive the patient home afterwards. As soon as the effects of nitrous oxide have worn off – usually just a matter of minutes – it is safe to drive yourself home.
Offering Patients the Options They Need
We know that not all patients need sedation before dental care and in general, we prefer the lightest use of medications in all aspects of our treatment. We encourage patients to get involved in their care and understand the procedures that will be used. Dr. Davis has many years of experience reassuring patients before and during treatment and even for some anxious patients, this is all the support they need.
We want to hear from you. If you are going to be a new patient at our office or you are anxious about an upcoming procedure, please let us help you understand the process and help you calm your concerns. Call us
with any questions you might have or to schedule your next appointment.